Physics of Flight

• Identify the primary physical forces acting upon every airborne object

• Define how air density affects the movement of solid objects

• Apply basic laws of motion to explain aerial acceleration

• Analyze how wing shapes influence the flow of surrounding air

• Calculate pressure differences created by varying fluid velocities

• Examine how surface friction slows down moving aerial vehicles

• Evaluate how engines generate forward motion for aircraft

• Synthesize pressure and velocity to explain vertical flight

• Operate flight controls to change the direction of travel

• Determine how design choices influence flight path steadiness

• Calculate the power required to gain altitude efficiently

• Model the descent of an aircraft without engine thrust

• Assess how shock waves change flight characteristics at speed

• Integrate all aerodynamic principles into a stable vehicle

• Predict how new materials will change aerial travel methods